Nagpur: In intensified action ahead of Holi celebrations, the Crime Branch Unit 1 of Nagpur Police conducted two separate raids on March 2 and March 3, 2026, seizing illegal country liquor worth over ₹32,000 and booking two individuals under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. Notably, the first operation was carried out a day before Holi as part of preventive measures to curb unlawful liquor sale during the festive period.

On March 2 at around 8 pm — a day prior to Holi — Crime Branch officials were patrolling in search of offenders when they received specific information that a man was illegally stocking liquor near Hotel Purvanchal on Outer Ring Road at Waddhamna under Hingna Police Station limits. Acting on the tip-off, the team raided the dhaba premises where the suspect was found engaging in suspicious activities.

The accused was identified as Ramkumar Rishikesh Singh (45), a resident of Sadachar Society, Dattawadi, Wadi, Nagpur. During the search conducted in the presence of panch witnesses, police recovered 192 bottles (180 ml each) and 50 bottles (90 ml each) of country liquor ‘Bhingari Santra No. 1’, collectively valued at ₹21,700. The stock was seized, and a case was registered at Hingna Police Station under Section 65(E) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. The accused was handed over to Hingna Police for further investigation.

In a second operation on March 3 at around 8 pm, the Crime Branch team received information that a resident of Ward No. 3 near Mothi Vihir, Rajiv Nagar, under MIDC Police Station limits, was illegally storing liquor for sale in a tin shed adjacent to his residence. The team raided the premises and apprehended the accused, identified as Dnyaneshwar Mahadev Pote (75).

During the search, police seized 41 bottles (180 ml each) and 120 bottles (90 ml each) of country liquor ‘Bhingari Santra No. 1’, collectively valued at ₹10,510. A case was registered at MIDC Police Station under Section 65(E) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. The accused was handed over to MIDC Police along with the seized stock for further legal action.

Police officials stated that the pre-Holi crackdown was aimed at preventing illegal liquor sale and ensuring strict enforcement of prohibition norms during the festive season. Further investigation in both cases is underway.